“It needs an update,” my husband says.
He wasn’t talking about me, which is a good thing. For us both.
Phones, computers, thermostats, security systems, clocks, TV’s, GPS systems. I mean really? Have you noticed how many things need updating?
“They aren’t talking,” he sighs, with a kind of long extended tire-flattening sound.
And here we are, in today’s world of communication where machines interact with one another, in some cases, more than we do.
What is wrong in life when a computer refuses to talk to the printer?And here we are, in today’s world of communication where machines interact with one another, in some cases, more than we do Click To Tweet
Can you imagine what else in the house might become subject to such outrage? The doorknob gives a cold shoulder to the hinges, the fridge to the freezer, or the washer to the dryer. One can only imagine it could all end up in the toilet.
I mean, come on guys. Speak already.
Computer, you were meant to have this conversation.
Printer, you were made for this.
As I watch my husband mix his oh-so-patient face with the I’ve-about-had-it-with-you-two look on his crumpled brow, I consider how much we look for updates in life. A restart. A connection which will make things run smoothly. An improvement and a promise.
And, sometimes we look in the wrong places.
We get caught up by a book, a really good and helpful one, or a new invention, social endeavors, a theory, or even a great Christian teacher. We really, really believe we’ve found an answer, a positive change, and life will forever be improved. And sometimes we do find something helpful, at least for a time, but life continues, and a temporary fix leaves us more dissatisfied than before.
And oh my, how many relationships in life ride that roller coaster. There will always be a quest for the perfect relationship. Obstructed communication and stagnation are the bane of healthy ties. But even though we are made for connections with others, they rarely come free of issues.
Throughout history people have sought for something more. An edge to better.
The entire world seems to be looking for the right sauce to keep it going. The same problems are hashed over and over since the beginning of time. The answers given eventually fall short. And sometimes all of it gets a bit… redundant.
Case in point, here we are in another cycle of political sword fighting and blame.
God is different. He isn’t swayed by manipulation or conceit. His answers don’t hinge on man’s ability, but on His.
He is a constant. He is steadfast. He is completely reliable. Unchanging.
Our God is immutable. He doesn’t sway with how the winds blow.
And that is the opposite of everything the world gives, every solution, and every promise.
I doubt that the need for endless updates will disappear any time soon in the world in which we live. But, here is a treasure to consider: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.” (Hebrews 13:8 KJV)
Read it out loud.
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.” (Hebrews 13:8 KJV)
Savor those words of truth and say them again. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.” (Hebrews 13:8 KJV) Click To Tweet
My husband’s forehead is puckered. A bomb could go off and he wouldn’t move, so deep is his concentration on the buttons and the wires. He plugs and unplugs the printer. He messes with the computer. There is a whir, and silence. He fiddles with something in the back.
Come on computer. Come on printer. Speak to each other.
Reach deep. Find your inner connectivity.
A familiar sound of paper feeding through and sliding into its trough brings a sigh of relief and a big smile.
Now that’s better. They are talking again.
“What did you do?” I ask.
“I have no idea,” he replies.
I’m so glad God never needs updating.
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Here are a couple of other articles I recently wrote which you may find interesting.
7 Connections to Draw between the Garden, Nativity, and Cross as You Prepare for Easter
When They Ask What It Means, What Will You Say?
Brenda Griswold
Thanks for “updating” us on this. So relevant. Thank you!
Sylvia Schroeder
You’re welcome Brenda! Glad you enjoyed it.
Cleo Waters
Communication remains the main ingredient in all relationships.
Sylvia Schroeder
Indeed! Thank you Cleo!
Katherine Pasour
Ha! I chuckled all through your message, but I really feel your hubby’s pain on this one. I usually shout at my computer as I unsuccessfully try to get it to do things it doesn’t want to do. But as you pointed out it’s such a relief when it works (but scary when we don’t know how we fixed it). Thankfully, as you remind us, our Lord is ALWAYS there for us to talk to. He doesn’t require an update. Thank you, Sylvia.
Sylvia Schroeder
Thank you Katherine! I always appreciate your thoughts!
Betty Harder
Just yesterday I was working on the same thing. I reached out to family. What a relief when the computer and printer work together! Good reminder that God never changes, He is always there!! He never leaves us! Praise Him!
Sylvia Schroeder
And, it’s a great blessing when someone in the family knows what they are doing! Thanks Betty!
Anonymous
Such a sad reminder: here we are in another cycle of political sword fighting and blame. Even in church with those who are all children of the same great God. Even though we theoretically know the steps to connection, when we go into enemy mode, it all seems to go out the window. But we need to talk to each other. Talk with curiosity and calm, rather than with blame and attempts to trap the other. We need to be as wise as serpents AND as harmless as doves. May God, who is always the same (and not a member of any political party) help us all.
Sylvia Schroeder
It’s a comfort to know a steadfast God! Thanks for reading and commenting!
Anonymous
It IS a great comfort to know that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He won’t be changing his mind about his promises. His teaching isn’t going to be amended. The way he responds to us will never be altered. Hallelujah!
Sylvia Schroeder
Yes! I am so glad too! Thanks so much!
J.D. Wininger
LOL I can empathize with Mr. Phil. How often we get things to work together but have no idea how we did it. Yes, it is most comforting to know that the only thing about God that needs updating is His servant (me). I’m so glad He is ever-patient with me.
Carolyn
Forever he is tried and true, thanks for the reminder.
I had this non connection issue when I was trying to print important papers. I tried repeatedly losing my patience. After endless trys I stopped and prayed over the situation. Bingo the next try God made them communicate 🙌! He cares about the little things.
Sylvia Schroeder
Thanks Carolyn. He definitely cares about the smallest things. He is as you say, forever tried and true. I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment!